New York Giants: Possible UDFA for the Giants

New York Giants: Possible UDFA for the Giants

By Michael Stewart

Now that the 2016 draft is over, the real fun begins for NFL GM’s. The UDFA period has produced quality players for every team over the years and hopefully the Giants can find a couple of diamonds in the rough. I have compiled 10 possible UDFA players that could peak the interest of Jerry Reese and the Giants.

Keyarris Garrett, WR, TulsaHe racked up 725 yards on passes travelling 20 yards or more downfield, including seven touchdowns, and dropped just three of the 99 catchable passes thrown his way in 2015. A big target at 6-feet-4, Garrett can make plays downfield

Eric Striker, OLB, Oklahoma- Striker was one of our highest-graded pass rushers in 2014. Unfortunately his size limitations leave him without a true NFL position.

Landon Turner, OG, North Carolina- A run-blocking guard best-suited for a power scheme, Turner’s +22.3 run blocking grade ranked seventh among guards in the class..

Will Anthony, DE/OLB, Navy- A clear standout on a pretty good Navy defense, Anthony took a huge step forward this season and was one of the most actively disruptive defensive linemen in the country. Playing primarily on the interior for Navy, he would be an edge defender at the next level.

Darius Latham, DT, Indiana- A poor man’s Chris Jones. Latham has two strong years of production at Indiana under his belt.

Nick VanHoose, CB Northwestern- Has a strange, wooden way of moving that looks very awkward at times, but it doesn’t prevent him from making plays, and a lot of them. Allowed fewer than 44 percent of passes thrown his way to be caught this past season and had the highest coverage grade in the nation.

Shawn Oakman, DE/DT, Baylor-Arrested on sexual assault charges earlier this month, to go along with an abuse allegation back in 2013 makes Oakman a possible untouchable in a negative way. However; would the Giants and Jerry Reese break tradition and take a flyer on Oakman with hopes that he is vindicated. Unlikely, but worth mentioning.

Delvon Simmons, DT, USC- An active interior rusher, Johnson has quick hands and he can make plays up and down the line of scrimmage.

Ryker Mathews, OT/OG, BYU- Working at both guard and tackle for BYU, Mathews was solid all-around in the run game and in pass protection and he brings positional versatility at the next level

Jack Allen, OC, Michigan State- One of the highest-graded centers over the past two seasons, Allen plays with leverage as well as any center in the class

Final Thoughts: My selection of Shawn Oakman as a possible target for Reese and the Giants is a reach as I mentioned above; the Giants historically avoid players with severe legal issues. Also, the recent domestic violence over the past year or so (Kevin Hardy and Ray Rice) has deepen the concern around the NFL.

Hopefully; Oakman’s allegations are false and he can continue his football career. If not the Giants, then maybe some NFL team or teams will take a chance on the Baylor DE standout.